The Arkansas State Library is pleased to announce Round 2 of the Little Free Library project for libraries in the state of Arkansas. The goals of this project are to:
- Foster a love of reading in local communities;
- Make reading activities and books more visible in the community landscape; and
- Engage community members in activities focused on reading.
The Little Free Library project as developed by the Arkansas State Library fulfills the statutory requirement of A.C.A. § 13-2-207 to undertake activities and services that further statewide development of libraries, and the federal Library Services and Technology Act (20 U.S.C. § 9121).
Project Overview
A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share.
The Arkansas State Library will award up to ten (10) Little Free Library kits to libraries throughout the state of Arkansas in a project to support libraries’ role of sharing reading activities with all members of the community.
Little Free Library kits consist of one unfished two-story shed library with post, and charter sign.
Libraries can request one (1) Little Free Library kit per community served. The kit may be installed on library property, or on other public property not owned by the library with an appropriate partnership agreement and permissions in place.
Application and Selection Process
Applications must be submitted online between January 5, 2026-May 1, 2026. Kits will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to libraries meeting the eligibility criteria. Up to ten (10) kits will be distributed between February 1-May 30.
PDF Copy of the Online Application Form – for your convenience only; do not submit this PDF as your application
Online Application — use this form to submit your application
Requirements for Recipient Libraries
- Decorate and install the Little Free Library on the library property, or other public property with the appropriate permission. Installation should be completed within sixty (60) days of receipt of the Little Free Library kit.
- Take care of the Little Free Library through regular cleaning, maintenance, and debris or vandalism removal.
- Keep the Little Free Library stocked with a wide variety of books in good condition and remove damaged and outdated materials, or materials of little interest to the community using the same standards the library uses to weed books from its permanent collection (e.g. books that are moldy, torn, contain outdated subject matter that could be damaging such as medical or scientific information, and textbooks or pamphlets).
- Register the installed kit and Charter Number with Little Free Library.
- Promote the Little Free Library through the library’s regular communication channels including newsletters, local media, social media, and outreach activities; credit the Arkansas State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services with providing the Little Free Library.
- Provide feedback on the project to the Arkansas State Library no later than six (6) months after receiving the Little Free Library kit.
Distribution to Recipients
Individual recipients will coordinate with the Project Leader to receive their Little Free Library. Recipients should plan to pick their Little Free Library kits up at the Arkansas State Library in Little Rock; however, under certain circumstances delivery may be made by the Project Leader to the recipient library.
For more information contact:
- Jennifer Wann
- Library Supervisor/Expert, Library Development
- [email protected] or (501) 682-5288